Friday Focus: Mazda 2 supermini

The supermini sector is the biggest class of vehicle sold in the UK, so this Friday we’re focusing on the Mazda 2. If you want to compete in this hotly contested area of the market place as a manufacturer, you’re product has to be good – and the Mazda 2 certainly is.

Any small hatchback needs to be nippy but efficient, and fun to drive but manoeuvrable and practical, too – the Mazda 2 has these qualities in spades.

It’s available with a range of three-different petrol engines, including a 75hp 1.3-litre unit, a more powerful 84hp 1.3 and a sport 102hp 1.5-litre motor. The 1.5 is fastest, completing the 0-62mph sprint in 10.7 seconds – but in cars this big it’s about low speed performance between the traffic lights and quick lane changes in traffic when needed. The Mazda 2 excels here, with revvy, peppy engines that respond crisply.

Don’t think that it means Mazda’s supermini isn’t efficient – the 1.3 engine will return a range best of 56.5mpg combined with just 115g/km CO2 emissions, meaning it’ll cost just £30 per year to tax and not all that much to run.

Allied to its zippy performance and strong efficiency, the Mazda 2 is great fun to drive as well. Compact dimensions mean you can place the car on the road with ease, and allied to great visibility in all directions, it’s a doddle to park.

Minimal overhangs and pushing the wheels to the very extremes of the car’s four corners means brilliant body control and a smooth ride, while direct steering, a supple chassis and low kerb weight (the Mazda 2 weighs just 1,030kg) combined with plenty of grip make it nicely engaging and great fun to pilot down a twisty road.

The clever tactic of maximising the wheelbase compared to the overall length of the car means space is used efficiently inside. With seating for five and a maximum possible boot volume of 469 litres, it’s remarkably practical for its size.

The Mazda 2 can turn its hand to anything and is always up for a real adventure – after all, how many other cars can you say have successfully completed the Wall of Death? We’re serious, check the video out here…